Sarah Macdissi

Now that we are safely in mid August, I feel comfortable addressing the so called “July effect” without causing a mass exodus of hospital patients from their hospital beds. What is the July effect you ask? It’s the alleged rise … Continue reading →

Vaccinations or rather, the lack thereof – has been a hot topic in the news lately. The media is reporting increased outbreaks of communicable diseases with the finger pointed at those individuals who choose to not vaccinate out of a … Continue reading →

What is thought to be one of the most common vehicles for spreading germs in a hospital? The answer might surprise you: the white lab coat. Also ranking high are neck ties and wrist watches worn by health care practitioners. The … Continue reading →

There is a blog being circulated right now that addresses frustrations over doctor tardiness. The woman who writes the blog is married to a pediatric physician and wants everyone to remember the reason why a physician might be running late … Continue reading →

My husband, a local hospitalist in town, came home from work a few nights ago very tired. During his 14 hour work day, he had seen and treated quite a few sick patients and I could tell several of the … Continue reading →

Six people. That’s the number of people who registered with the new healthcare website on Day 1 of its unveiling. Documents released yesterday by the House of Representatives showed this number modestly increased to 248 individuals successfully enrolled on Day 2 … Continue reading →

The obvious and immediate impacts of the government shut down are visible before everyone’s eyes – the closing of the national parks, federally owned museums, IRS call centers advising taxpayers and offices handling federal grants, and the furloughing of thousands … Continue reading →

Last week I discussed a report issued by the Centers for Diseases Control (“CDC”) that addressed the ever increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. One author, commenting on the potential demise of antibiotics, went as far as to compare a modern … Continue reading →

This week, the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) issued a report that addressed, in detail, the threat of antibiotic-resistant organisms to our world. Dr. Todd Friedman, the director of the CDC, cautioned that, “[i]f we are not careful, we will soon … Continue reading →

Representative Earl Blumenauer from Oregon has introduced into legislation the “Personalize Your Care Act of 2013” that would provide Medicare and Medicaid coverage for end of life discussions. Mr. Blumenaur has been dubbed “the death panel guy” for his continued role … Continue reading →